Department of Medicine & Surgery

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.nileuniversity.edu.ng/handle/123456789/95

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Start date: 2023

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 21
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    Child Survival Strategy
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Isabella, Damilola Oluwademilade; Osaze-Ogedegbe, Adaora Radiance
    This paper examines child survival strategies, focusing on interventions designed to reduce morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age. It highlights UNICEF’s framework and the GOBIFFFETH approach, which includes growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breastfeeding, immunization, female education, family planning, food fortification, environmental protection, essential drug provision, treatment of common ailments, and health education. The paper discusses national and global policies such as the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) and Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM), as well as the role of health systems, government, and community-based interventions in improving child survival outcomes. Challenges such as inadequate funding, limited healthcare access, socio-economic barriers, and political instability are also analyzed. The conclusion emphasizes that investing in child survival is a moral and developmental imperative, requiring collaboration across governments, health systems, and communities to secure sustainable progress in reducing under-five mortality.
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    Diarrhoeal Disease
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Sule, Alhassan Rakiya; Adamu, Hamida
    Diarrhoea is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the passage of frequent loose or watery stools, with significant implications for global health. While often self-limiting, severe diarrhoea can result in life-threatening dehydration, malnutrition, and impaired growth, particularly in children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This review explores the definition, mechanisms, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of diarrhoeal disease. It highlights infectious and non-infectious causes, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens, as well as functional and systemic disorders. Management focuses on fluid and electrolyte replacement, nutritional support, and targeted therapies such as antibiotics, probiotics, and zinc supplementation. Preventive strategies, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, rotavirus and cholera vaccination, breastfeeding, and community education, are emphasized as critical tools to reduce incidence and mortality. Special considerations for vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients, are discussed. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, underscoring the need for integrated health strategies to break the cycle of infection, malnutrition, and death.
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    Diphtheria
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Shehu, Ahmad Bala; Lawal, Sakinatu; Uhuo, Emmanuela
    Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and, less commonly, contaminated fomites or skin contact. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, diphtheria persists as a global health challenge, especially in regions with poor vaccination coverage and disrupted healthcare systems. This review highlights the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of diphtheria, with a particular focus on recent outbreaks in Nigeria and other conflict-affected regions. The diphtheria toxin plays a central role in disease progression, causing local airway obstruction and systemic complications such as myocarditis, neuritis, and renal failure. Treatment relies on the prompt administration of diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotic therapy, and supportive care. Prevention through immunization remains the cornerstone of control, yet challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, inadequate healthcare access, and limited availability of antitoxin complicate eradication efforts. Strengthening vaccination programs, enhancing surveillance, and addressing systemic barriers are essential for reducing the burden of diphtheria and preventing future outbreaks.
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    Ebola Virus
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Lawal, Sakinatu; Oranwusi, Emmanuel; Ibrahim, Abdul-Azeez O.
    Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a highly lethal infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus, with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%. First identified in 1976, EVD has emerged as a major public health threat, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is transmitted through contact with infected animals and humans, with outbreaks often exacerbated by limited healthcare infrastructure. Nigeria experienced a notable outbreak in 2014, which highlighted the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in resource limited settings. This review explores the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of EVD, emphasizing Nigeria’s experience and response. It underscores the importance of surveillance, public awareness, supportive care, vaccination, and international collaboration in mitigating the impact of future outbreaks.
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    A Review of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Nigeria
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Oranwusi, Emmanuel; Ibrahim, Abdul-Azeez O.
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a critical global health challenge, with Nigeria bearing one of the heaviest burdens in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention strategies, approximately 1.9 million people in Nigeria are living with HIV as of 2020. The virus, transmitted primarily through unprotected sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission, and contaminated needles, progressively impairs the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if untreated. This review examines the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV, with a particular focus on its impact in Nigeria. Persistent challenges such as stigma, limited access to ART, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers continue to undermine effective control. Strengthening surveillance, expanding ART access, promoting public education, and achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets are essential to mitigating the epidemic’s impact and advancing toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.
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    Breastfeeding
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Franklin, Favour; Oranwusi, Emmanuel; Wunti, Maryam Jibrin
    This paper provides a comprehensive overview of breastfeeding, emphasizing its nutritional, emotional, psychological, and socio-economic importance for both mother and child. It highlights various breastfeeding positions, the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk, and the long-term health outcomes for infants and mothers. The study explores challenges associated with breastfeeding, including anatomical, physiological, and societal barriers, as well as the role of breast milk substitutes when necessary. Furthermore, it discusses the global perspective and initiatives by the WHO and UNICEF to promote exclusive breastfeeding through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The conclusion reinforces breastfeeding as a natural, cost-effective, and vital practice that requires societal support, education, and healthcare policies to ensure its sustainability and universal adoption.
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    A Review of Child Health
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Wunti,Maryam Jibrin; Oranwusi, Emmanuel
    This paper provides an in-depth exploration of child health, highlighting the key determinants that influence physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development from birth through adolescence. It discusses biological, environmental, and socio-economic factors, while also addressing the importance of growth monitoring, nutrition, and developmental milestones. The paper reviews common childhood diseases, both infectious and non-communicable, as well as the role of immunization and preventive care in reducing morbidity and mortality. Further, it emphasizes the significance of mental health, environmental determinants, and child health in emergency situations. National and global health initiatives, including the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), are examined as frameworks for improving child health outcomes. The conclusion underscores the need for investment, policy development, and community involvement to safeguard child health as a foundation for future societal well-being.
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    Cholera
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Rakiya, Sule Alhassan; Eniola, Adejumo; Bassey, Imaobong; Agan, Grace Ripeh
    Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, transmitted primarily through contaminated water and food. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cholera, tracing its historical pandemics, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations. It highlights the global and local burden of cholera, with emphasis on recurrent outbreaks in Nigeria, where poor sanitation, flooding, and limited healthcare infrastructure exacerbate transmission and mortality. The discussion explores diagnostic methods, treatment strategies such as oral rehydration therapy, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics, alongside preventive measures including vaccination, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. The paper further examines global efforts to combat cholera, notably the WHO’s “Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030,” and outlines challenges such as climate change, vaccine shortages, and weak healthcare systems. Despite advances in treatment and prevention, cholera remains a major public health threat, necessitating coordinated interventions, strengthened surveillance, and sustained global commitment to reduce mortality and achieve long-term control.
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    Antifertility Efficacy of n-Hexane Seed Extract of Ricinus communis Var Minor in Wistar Rats Uterus In Vitro
    (Path of Science, 2024-06-02) Sanni, Ayuba Clagba; Moritiwon, Olusayo; Ogundeko, Timothy Olugbenga; Ramyil, Seljul Mamzhi Crown; Bassi Amos Paul; Okwuasaba, Francis Kanayo
    The seed of Ricinus communis var minor (RICOM 1013-J) is a popular contraceptive among the tribal women in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Several reports have confirmed the efficacy and safety of different fractions of RICOM 1013-J, particularly the n-Hexane fraction. RICOM 1013-J appears to possess a unique contraceptive effect. This study aimed to provide further insight into the impact of RICOM 1013-J on the reproductive organs compared with the activity profile of some uterotonic drugs. A total of 20 adult albino rats (15 females and five males) weighing 150-200 g were initially divided into five groups of 3 female rats each with treatments via the oral route as follows: Groups A (2ml olive oil), others n-Hexane extract of Ricinus communis seeds (RICOM 1013-J) B (5 mg/kg), C (10 mg/kg), D (20 mg/kg) and E (30 mg/kg). After three days, the five male rats were introduced into each group (ratio of 3 females to 1 male per cage) till the end of experiments for mating. The effect of the pretreatment with the n-hexane extract of RICOM 1013-J on the rat uterus was evaluated after days 10, 30, 60 and 90. RICOM 1013-J (20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) demonstrated potent anti-conceptive effects, protecting female Wister albino rats against pregnancy for over five gestational periods. RICOM 1013-J statistically altered the regular basal activity of the uterus in a time-dependent manner (10, 30, 60 and 90 days pretreatment). Furthermore, pretreatment with RICOM 1013-J decreased the reactivity of the uterus to some uterotonic drugs, including oxytocin (2x10-3 iu/ml), ergometrine (1x10-3 mg/ml), misoprostol (2x10-3 mg/ml), Ach (1x10-5 gm/ml) and potassium chloride (1x10-3 gm/ml). The contraction to misoprostol and potassium chloride in the uterus was abolished on day 90 of pretreatment. This study has demonstrated the dose-dependent efficacy of RICOM 1013-J in protecting against pregnancy for over five gestation periods in rats. This protective effect may be due to the alterations in the activity profile of smooth muscle quiescence and inertia in the uterus. In addition, the changes in the responsiveness of the uterus to the uterotonic drugs further confirm the anti-conceptive effects of RICOM 1013-J.
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    HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among women in Abia State
    (Journal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care., 2024-08-23) C.I. Amuzie; U.K. Kalu; M.O. Izuka; Bassi Amos Paul
    Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, and it is associated with infection by the Human  Papillomavirus (HPV). There are effective interventions for the prevention of cervical cancer. However, the uptake of these interventions  by women in developing countries is poor. This study assessed the knowledge and practices of cervical cancer preventive measures and  uptake of HPV vaccines among women in Abia State. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among women in Abia State. Multistage sampling was used to recruit 700 eligible  women and an ODK interviewerbased structured questionnaire was used to collect the information. Descriptive, bivariate, and  multivariate analyses were done using SPSS version 26. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The mean age of the respondents  was 40.3 ± 9.9 years and the proportion of women with good knowledge of HPV infection and vaccine was 22.0% (95% CI:  18.9- 25.1). The uptake of Pap smear and HPV vaccine was 7% and 3%, respectively, while predictors of good knowledge for HPV infection  and vaccine included higher educational status (aOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.73–3.71, p = 0.001), being currently married (aOR = 0.32; 95% CI:  0.18–0.54, p= 0.001) and divorced (aOR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.13–0.49, p=0.001). Conclusion: Poor knowledge of HPV infection and vaccines,  and poor uptake of Pap smear and HPV vaccine were prevalent among the respondents. We recommend policymakers design health  education programmes to improve knowledge and preventive cervical cancer practices.